What is ArtsFest?

arts fest

ArtsFest kicks off the annual United Arts fundraising campaign. Running Feb. 2-12, ArtsFest includes 285 events at 48 locations in Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties -- all for free. For more information, call 407-363-5816 or visit www.UnitedArts.cc.

What is United Arts?

United Arts of Central Florida is a collaboration of businesses, governments, foundations, arts and cultural organizations, school districts, artists, and individuals. This partnership works to enhance the quality and variety of cultural experiences available throughout Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Since its inception in 1989, United Arts has invested more than $83 million in local cultural organizations and cultural education.

How do I get tickets to ArtsFest events?

All events are free and open to the public, although some events have limited seating and capacity. Watch for "reservations required" throughout the schedule. Reservations will not be accepted before today at 10 a.m. To make a reservation, call the venue directly. Plan ahead because space is limited, and all tickets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is a four-ticket limit for each reservation, as well as a 30-minute no-show policy that will be strictly enforced. Please plan to arrive early at performances that require reservations to redeem your tickets.

A limited number of tickets will be available to venues that require registration the day of the performance and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

All events that do not require registration are open to the public without a reservation.

Are all ArtsFest events free?

All ArtsFest events are free, although parking may not be. Plan to pay for parking, food and gift-shop items.

What is the ArtsFest Passport and where do I get one?

You can get an ArtsFest Passport at any participating ArtsFest venue; you also will find one on the back of this guide. Get your passport stamped at participating venues during ArtsFest, and you'll be eligible to win prizes from area arts and cultural organizations. Completed passports must be received at United Arts, P.O. Box 940068, Maitland, FL 32794, no later than March 3. Winners will be notified.

Thurs., Feb. 2

ArtsFest Community Kickoff

Central Park, Park Ave. & Canton St.,

Winter Park, 407-629-0054.

Arts & Culture Sampling: 6 p.m. Arrive early to get a seat on the lawn and experience more than 30 arts and cultural organizations.

Popcorn Flick `That's Entertainment!': 7 p.m. Enzian Theater and the city of Winter Park are partnering to bring you a special "Popcorn Flick in the Park." We bring the movie and popcorn; you bring a blanket, a picnic or snacks, and some family and friends. Guest speakers will introduce the film and provide an educational summary. This star-studded tribute to the lavish musicals produced by MGM commemorates the studio's 50th anniversary. The film includes numbers by Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Cyd Charisse, Donald O'Connor and Frank Sinatra. Rated G.